Ford's US sales rose 6 percent in March

DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales rose 6 percent in March thanks to record sales of its newly redesigned Fusion sedan and Escape SUV.

Escape sales jumped 28 percent to nearly 29,000 and Fusion sales were up 6 percent to 30,284. Ford said that was a monthly sales record for both vehicles. Both went on sale last fall.

F-Series pickup truck sales rose 16 percent to 67,513 as contractors and other small businesses bought new trucks at a rapid pace. Ford also saw strong sales of its Explorer SUV, which rose 33 percent compared with last March.

Ford's Lincoln luxury brand continued its slump as shipments of the new MKZ were delayed. Lincoln sales fell 22.5 percent from last year.